2 Die After Car Plunges Into Guyandotte River off Route 971

March 17, 2011 - Clear Fork W.V. - Two people were killed on Monday when their car crashed into the Guyandotte River in Clear Fork. WBOY reports that the fatal accident wasn't discovered until later on Monday morning when a passing motorist discovered motor oil in the river.

Authorities say the vehicle plunged into the river shortly before 3 a.m. on Monday. The car was driving on Route 971 in the Toler Farm area near Clear Fork. Although the accident wasn't discovered until hours later, several neighbors reported a loud crashing noise around 3 a.m. that is believed to be related to this accident.

Police say that no other vehicles were involved. A passing motorist saw motor oil on the river and later discovered a portion of the car that was visible form above the water. There were two occupants in the car and both were pronounced dead at the scene.

The victims have been identified as John Wayne Brown, 21, of Cyclone and Sara Renee Lomangino, 19, of Sun Hill. Police are still trying to determine what caused the car to crash into the river, and they have released no information on how the accident occurred. An update will be posted if and when more details become available.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's 2008 West Virginia Crash Statistics show that there were 380 fatalities as a result of car accidents in West Virginia.

In an effort to raise awareness of common factors in serious and fatal car accidents in West Virginia, our firm routinely publishes news items about traffic crashes in our region.

Common West Virginia accidents include, but are not limited to:

 

·      single-car crashes;

·      tractor-trailer accidents;

·      accidents caused by hazardous road conditions; and

·      distracted driver crashes.

 

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